Mr. Kreismann to Mr. Seward.
Sir: * * * * * In view of the fact that enlistments at home are progressing somewhat slowly, I beg leave to submit to your consideration the following suggestions:
At the end of the present month a very large number of Prussian soldiers, whose term of active service will then have expired, will be dismissed. On the part of many of those, thus expecting to be discharged, applications are made to this legation to procure them a free passage to the United States, with a view of their taking service in our army. Now, if some arrangement could be made for carrying men free of charge from Hamburg or Bremen to New York, thousands of valuable soldiers could, in my opinion be added to our ranks. When large bounties are so freely offered at home, why could not means be found to enable those here to enlist, who are willing and ready to go. Whether such a course could be looked upon as an infringement of the neutrality laws you can much better determine than myself; I deem it my duty to lay the matter before you and to request an expression of your views. If any steps are to be taken they must be taken quickly.
* * * * * * * * * *
The laws concerning the pay of volunteers, pensions, &c., passed by the late Congress would also be very acceptable.
There are so many parties in Germany who have near relatives in our army, and inquiries about their whereabouts and their fate are so numerous, that it would be very desirable if official lists of the killed and wounded, and of those who die in hospitals, could be sent to this legation from the [Page 547] War Department. Many anxious hearts could thus be relieved. I have repeatedly taken the liberty of addressing myself to the adjutant general directly for information; but I now desire to respectfully urge the matter upon your attention.
I have the honor to be your obedient servant,
Hon. William H. Seward, Secretary of State, Washington, D. C.